What Caused the Pueblo Revolt of 1680?

by Edward Countryman (Foreword), David J. Weber

What caused the Pueblo revolt of 1680? This now-famous revolt marked the end of 80 years of peaceful coexistence between Spaniards and Pueblos; historians have long struggled to understand the complex reasons for the sudden and dramatic breakdown of relations. In this volume, 5 historians examine the factors that led to the unprecedented collaboration among tribes separated by distance, language, and historic rivalries that resulted in the destruction of Spain's New Mexico colony. Searching through what little remains of the written record, the essays present a variety of interpretations, with different emphases on culture, religion, and race.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, School

132 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 1999

About the author

Edward Countryman was an American historian known for his study of the American Revolution.

Reviews

[Lee Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a history or description of the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, this isn’t it. It is a scholarly argument about what caused the revolt and spends a great deal of time discussing whether or not Él Popé or someone else was the leader of the revolt.

As you can imagine, the take the same documents, facts, and circumstances and come up with opposite answers. As a matter of practicality, most likely all the viewpoints are correct in some way and need only be merged.

If you’re a fan of scholarly debate with no conclusive decision, then this book is for you.

[Dende · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of excerpts from historians writing about the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. Great for the non-historian to understand this event through academic literature.

[ashlyn compton · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun to talk about at least

[Pamilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book about a clash of cultures! It is a fascinating account of Pope's brilliant organizational skills in leading a revolt against the Spanish, and one that Native Americans finally win. Unfortunately, it was short lived. The revolt expelled all Spanish out of what is now New Mexico, and the Indians destroyed the Spanish churches and crosses, and resumed their native beliefs. He used knotted cords and a full moon to lead his successful revolt. Pope died eight years later, and by 1692 the Spanish were back. The book pointed out many scenarios for the revolt, both similar and very different, in the historical and anthropological context. I found it very interesting and highly recommend it.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting concept for a book: the author took a bunch of different academic opinions on the Pueblo Revolt and organized them into a sort of anthology. It made for very interesting and instructive reading; it was fascinating to see how different historians used similar evidence to come to very different conclusions. It also illuminated just how subjective history is. All in all, a useful source on the Pueblo Revolt and a very readable one at that.

[Emmanuel Ortega · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a bit outdates, this is one of the best sources on the topic. Which means, a lot more must be done. Great book!

[Alexandra Tammaro · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting stuff, but I feel the articles were a little too dated. One was from 1967. I feel there are modern researchers who can provide sounder evidence.